Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding our services. Please review these before scheduling an appointment and if you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
Are your interpreters qualified?
Yes. Our Lead Interpreter holds the National Interpreter Certification (N.I.C.) through the National Association for the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. If our lead interpreter is unavailable, we guarantee to coordinate a fully qualified interpreter for your appointment.
How do I know you're interpreting ethically?
All of our interpreters strictly follow the guidelines set forth in the RID's Code of Professional Conduct. Any deviation from this code, and an interpreter is immediately dismissed from N.O.I.S.E. for the Deaf and reported to RID.
How much does it cost?
Due to variances in the difficulty of appointments, our rates may vary from client to client. All appointments made are charged a two-hour minimum, whether or not the appointment lasts that long, with additional time billed in half-hour increments, as well as travel costs (round-trip mileage, tolls, parking, etc.) and any applicable entrance fees. For short notice/emergency services (appointments made with less than 24 hours notice), an additional $50 request fee, plus an additional $15 per hour, will be charged on top of our standard rates.
Do I pay or does the Deaf person?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), publicly accessible businesses, government offices, corporations, etc. are required to provide communication access free of charge to the patron with communication disabilities. You can download the Effective Communcation section of the ADA by clicking here.
How do I schedule an appointment?
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You can find out more information on scheduling at our scheduling page. Scheduling can be done either by phone or email, and we can be contacted by clicking here.
How do I use an interpreter?
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Please visit our information page on how to use an interpreter by clicking here.
Can I pay at the time of service?
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No. Once an assignment is complete, you will receive an invoice within 24 hours. The reason for this is that mileage, tolls, other fees must be calculated, as well as any service time beyond the scheduled appointment. However, special accomodations can be made with prior coordination.
What is a two-hour minimum?
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Each appointment is scheduled for a two-hour block of time. These two hours will be charged no matter what, whether or not the appointment takes the full two hours.
Why do I need two interpreters?
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Interpreting is a workout. The interpreter's arms are constantly moving, which is an incredible calisthenic exercise. Interpreting is extremely physicall and mentally demanding. For certain assignments, the use of two interpreters may be necessary so they can take turns and not get completely worn out. In addition, for certain large group appointments, multiple interpreters may be needed to facilitate accurate communication to everyone in the group.
Why do I have to pay a short-notice/emergency fee?
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There is a nation-wide interperpreter shortage, and it can be incredibly time-consuming trying to coordinate short-notice/emergency services.